Abstract
Gastrointestinal disorders (GIDs) are among the most common health problems in developing countries, including Pakistan, where limited access to modern healthcare encourages the use of traditional medicinal practices. This study aimed to systematically document ethnomedicinal plants used for the treatment of GIDs in District Bajaur, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan and to evaluate the phytochemical screening of selected plant species. Ethnobotanical data were collected from 140 informants through semi-structured interviews, group discussions and field surveys. Quantitative ethnobotanical indices including Use Value (UV), Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC) and Fidelity Level (FL) were calculated to determine the cultural significance and reliability of reported medicinal plants. A total of 56 medicinal plant species belonging to 38 families were documented. Leaves were the most frequently used plant part (41%), followed by fruits (28%), while decoction (45%) and powder (32%) were the dominant methods of preparation and administration. Phytochemical screening of selected species revealed the presence of major bioactive compounds including alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, glycosides and terpenoids which are known for their therapeutic properties. The highest UV values were recorded for Mentha longifolia (0.84) and Foeniculum vulgare (0.85), indicating strong traditional preference and medicinal importance. The study statistically validates indigenous knowledge regarding gastrointestinal disease management and emphasizes conservation of medicinal flora. Further pharmacological, clinical, and toxicological investigations are recommended to develop safe and effective plant-based anti-gastrointestinal therapies.